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Hello! My Name is Cheryl Forbes

What are you up to in the design world at the moment?

After I finished the course, but I landed a job!

I’m the graphic designer for the Sun Theatre in Melbourne! A really cool art deco theatre, and such a great place to work. The owners own multiple cinemas, a hotel and do charity work as well as their own movies, books etc so the design work is varied and plenty!!

I didn’t think I’d get the job as I had no experience, (and I’m old..er) but it was my portfolio that did it! So a huge thank you to The Graphic Design School and the team for their support.

Packaging Design

A series of packaging was created for the Kalang Soap Co. soap range. The design brief was to develop a logo and packaging system that reflects the company’s handmade and eco friendly practices, whilst incorporating the soap ingredients into the packaging design.

Campaign Design

A campaign was developed for Williamstown Primary School’s Seaside Fair. The brief was to have a strong community feel reflecting the school and its morals. It should be fun and inclusive and distinctly ‘Willy Primary’.

Magazine Design

Editorial design for a magazine article on chef Yottam Ottenlenghi, and his restaurant Nopi.

Corporate Identity

A new corporate identity was developed for Dosa Hut, a Southern Indian restaurant specialising in dosas, an Indian crepe. The cylinder shape of the dosa was the inspiration for the logo. The brief was to create an exciting new look which is classy and timeless while retaining an authentic Indian feel.

Lush Bath Bomb Advert

An advert was developed for the Lush bath bomb, Twighlight. The brief was to create an advert that is fun and exciting and appeals to the teeanage market.

Icon Design

A series of icons were developed to showcase Melbourne City’s top tourist attractions.

Personal Identity

Hey Cheryl! Tell us a bit about you?

Hey! I live in Melbourne. I am a mum of four. I was a podiatrist (very glad of the past tense). I love photography, coffee and the beach. At the age of 46 decided it was time to do something that I have always wanted to do, study design. I wish I had pursued this when I was younger, but just goes to show you are never too old to try new things!

Who or what inspired you to be a designer?

I’m not exactly sure who or what inspired me, but I have always loved designing things. My favourite part of school assignments was always the cover page!

What is your favourite part of the design process?

When, after you have tried so many designs and begin to doubt you are ever going to find a solution, all of a sudden, it clicks and you have it. Love that moment.

You were really into all sorts of design disciplines at TGDS, branding, campaigning and even packaging. Have you a fav?

My fav would be layout design, aligning elements and using grids, but a close second is branding, really exploring the brand and creating something that fit’s the brief.

Tell us anything you would like to about your featured works.

The Dosa Hut corporate identity was based on a real restaurant. I often think I should propose it to them to see if they would take it on! It was a challenge getting the look just right and retaining that Indian feel. I loved creating the mandala and the pattern from it. It was almost meditative!

The bath bomb advert was a fun one. I drew inspiration from my daughter’s and they got the bath bomb’s afterwards, plus the house smelled lovely.

Yotam Ottenlenghi is my favourite chef! I love all his cook books, (and their designs), so he was an easy pick for my magazine article. I really loved doing this layout, getting it just right.

I guess my most rewarding project was my own personal identity. I began hating my initials, struggling getting anything to work. I guess I can say I am pretty proud of the final result.

What did you love about studying design?

I loved bringing the ideas in my head to life by applying the tools that I have learnt and creating something special that I never thought I was capable of.

What’s your dream design job? Don’t hold back!

I would love to design Yotam’s next cookbook ;)

What would you say to someone about to embark on his or her own journey in design?

Firstly, you are never too old :) Secondly, take on board the feedback from your tutors, they are a wealth of ideas and information, and thirdly believe that you can do it and you will.